down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "down" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
It can be used in various contexts, such as indicating a direction, a decrease, or a state of being. Example: "Please write your thoughts down on paper before submitting them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

To try to close down that debate prematurely is both arrogant and plain wrong".

The Guardian

Referred to in court as D, she entered a not guilty plea to a charge of intimidation last week while wearing a niqab after the judge backed down from a previous decision that she would have to show her face to be properly identified.

The Guardian

"Drilling proposals in Sussex have already been turned down".

The Guardian - Business

"It's down to us.

The Guardian - Sport

"This law looks like it's going to be struck down.

The New York Times

"It went down very badly.

The Guardian - Film

Related: Is your degree course getting you down?

The Guardian

The order book was down slightly at £3.6bn from the last update in June but well ahead of the £3.3bn reported this time last year.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The cross-country flights somehow seemed to all be on old, broken-down planes, while gate agents and flight attendants all just seemed crabbier.

The Economist

The sector's membership and lobbying body, the Federation of Black Housing Organisations (FBHO) was disbanded in 2008 and has since been replaced by a slimmed-down BMENational, sheltering under the wing of the NHF.

The Guardian

Related: Mental health charities can help people where the NHS cannot "To improve access to MBCT we need a combination of top-down action, such as getting commissioners and senior managers on board, and bottom-up action... pro-active mindfulness teachers and trainers setting up high quality local services and encouraging GPs to refer patients who would benefit from MBCT treatment," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "down" to indicate direction, be clear about the reference point. For instance, "down the street" requires a shared understanding of the street's orientation.

Common error

Avoid using "down" and "downward" interchangeably. "Down" often implies a completed action or state, while "downward" describes direction or movement.

Linguistic Context

The word "down" serves multiple grammatical functions, acting as an adverb, adjective, preposition, noun, and verb depending on the context. Ludwig showcases its versatility through examples, aligning with its varied definitions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "down" is a versatile word with multiple grammatical functions and meanings, ranging from indicating direction and state to describing emotions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used and generally correct in various contexts, though its specific meaning and appropriateness depend heavily on the surrounding words. While mainly found in news and media, it is adaptable across registers. To ensure clarity, consider the specific nuance you intend to convey and choose synonyms or alternative phrasings, like "below" or "lower", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downward

Indicates a direction or movement towards a lower point.

descended

Implies movement from a higher to lower position, mirroring the directional sense of "down".

below

Indicates a lower position or level, similar to "down" but emphasizes spatial relationship.

lower

Implies a reduction in quantity, quality, or status, akin to one sense of "down".

depressed

Refers to a state of low spirits or sadness, matching the emotional connotation of "down".

southward

Specifies a direction, similar to "down" when referring to geographical locations on a map.

out of service

Conveys the idea of being inoperable, similar to when something is "down" technically.

finished

Implies completion or cessation, aligning with the usage of "down" to indicate something is done.

completed

Signifies the end of a task or process, similar to "down" when indicating something is over.

swallowed

Describes the act of consuming something completely, like "downing" a drink.

FAQs

How can I use "down" in a sentence?

"Down" can be used in various contexts, such as "The cat jumped "down from" the table", "Prices are "down" this week", or "I'm feeling "down" today".

What can I say instead of "down" when referring to sadness?

You can use alternatives like "depressed", "blue", or "low-spirited" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "down" or "downward"?

The choice between "down" and "downward" depends on the context. "Down" often implies a state or completed action (e.g., "The system is down"), while "downward" indicates direction or movement (e.g., "a downward trend").

What's the difference between "down" and "below"?

"Down" typically refers to a lower position or a completed state, while "below" generally indicates a spatial relationship or a lower level in a hierarchy. For example, "The key is below the book".